Because only together we can

build a world where all of today's youth are safe, strong & valued

Making a Real Difference in People’s Lives

Spotlight UK started in April 2009. We started out to provide low cost activities to help increase confidence and self esteem to children and young people across Basingstoke. However this vision quickly grew and we were able to provide emotional and practical support as well as enjoyable and fun activities to hundreds of children and young people every year.

In 2024 Spotlight launched ‘Spotlight UK Scarlett’s Smiles’ to support children who have a parent or sibling who has a terminal illness or long term illness, children with terminal illness or long term medical condition, children in care, young carers and adult carers, children who have experienced traumatic loss or separation, and children affected by domestic abuse.

The inspiration behind Scarlett’s Smiles

WHAT WE DO

Membership and Mailing List

In order to keep our activities available to all, we have implemented a membership program. Standard membership is FREE to join. Gold membership is a one off annual fee per person at £7.50 which means you will receive the discount from venues plus top up subsidised discount from Spotlight for activities as well as offers of free and discounted days out and trips when they arise based on first come first served.

Scarlett's Smiles Free Activities

We provide free outdoor activities like paddleboarding, lagoona and donutting as well as other activities like bowling, laser tag and trampolining, to children affected by mental health issues due to ACES(adverse childhood experiences) including domestic abuse, loss, separation and children in care.

Festival Place Charity Partner

We are excited to have been chosen as charity partner for Festival Place. They are helping to raise money to provide monthly activities and experiences to children to boost mental well being and create positive memories.

Scarlett's Smiles Care Package Scheme

This is where we collect and buy supplies to create various boxes of gifts that we send to children and families who need a pick me up and a reminder that every deserves a little love.

Scarlett's Smiles Young Carers Network

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 25 that cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

Scarlett's Smiles Special Experiences

We want to provide special experiences for those struggling with disability and illness, to create new positive memories in peoples lives.

Scarlett's Smiles Christmas Appeals

Christmas is a time of giving and helping others. We believe this wholeheartedly and run a number of appeals at Christmas time, including hampers, toy drives and stockings for the elderly.

Scarlett's Smiles Emergency Supplies

For those suffering from domestic abuse, neglect and low income, we provide clothes, beds and other emergency supplies to help ease troubles.

Making a difference in local communities

In April 2009, Spotlight started to provide free and low-cost activities for young people in Basingstoke, helping them increase confidence and self-esteem. It wasn’t long before the vision grew and founder Michaela could look to expand.

In addition to fun activities for young people, we also provide emotional and practical support where needed – a crucial aspect of supporting mentally healthy youngsters.

Thanks to a small army of volunteers, local business support and a growing need, we have continued to expand and now work across the following areas:

Basingstoke and Deane
West Berkshire
Reading
Bracknell
Hart and Rushmoor
Portsmouth
Gosport
Havant
East Hampshire
Test Valley
Fareham
Southampton
Surrey
New Forest

This year, our aim is to go beyond and support those further afield. We are beginning to spread into Gloucestershire, London, Surrey, Dorset, West Sussex and the Midlands with our child support schemes.

We believe everyone should have a chance to fulfil their potential

Regardless of your race, religion, ability, family status or financial background, every child should be treated equally.

We believe:

Each child should have chances that will allow them to flourish mentally, physically and emotionally.
Each child should have opportunities to develop their confidence, self-esteem and social interaction.
Each child should have access to fun activities regardless of their household income
Each child should know that there are people to turn to and that they have support to guide them through life’s challenges

IMPACT STORIES

Jessica’s Story

I am Jessica and I am 10 years old. This is my story which I now feel safe enough to share thanks to the team at Spotlight, social services and my new parents.

Caring for Macy

Macy aged 8, was selective mute after witnessing domestic abuse between her dad and her mum. She would cry herself to sleep. Lacking confidence and low self esteem. Spotlight has funded Macy to attend…

“I went bowling. I hadn’t done it before; the balls were really heavy and they put these things down the side so I wouldn’t miss. I would like to go again if I can”

“We are not able to afford much but we do our best. Having a charity like Spotlight giving us the chance to do activities with my kids that I couldn’t normally do is amazing. My kids still talk about when they did Adventure Play and Glow Golf”

Michaela and her Team always go above and beyond and if it wasn’t for them over the last year my son wouldn’t have had the chance to experience all the amazing activities that they put on so Thank you you all at spot light for always going that extra mile you make so much difference to so many families lives.

Spotlight has made a real difference to children in Basingstoke and for many pupils at Rucstall Primary School. There are many children and families, who when things have been challenging, have been able to rely on the support of Spotlight to provide. What Spotlight Basingstoke is able to achieve for the whole Basingstoke community is phenomenal! Thank you from all of us.

As a foster parent witnessing the impact of Spotlight UK on my children who have face unimaginable challenges like domestic violence, trauma and bereavement, it is truly heart warming. This charity creates a sense of family and belonging for these kids, instilling in them a positive outlook on life. By providing new and enriching experiences, Spotlight ensures that my children not only heal but also thrive. It's a privilege to see my children embrace joy and optimism, thanks to the care and dedication of Spotlight UK. The girls said they love Spotlight as they get to do lots of different activities with lots of different people and they really feel part of a group. I feel like since my girls have been with Spotlight they have grown so much confidence and are being given the opportunity to do activities I could not afford without the help of the wonderful team at Spotlight.